Today in Ethics: Should Docs Be Able to Ask Their Patients Out Online?

Oh me, oh my. Research shows that more and more physicians are using the Internet to play doctor outside of the office with their patients (without their stethoscopes, methinks).

The results of a survey, published in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association, say that more and more medical boards are receiving complaints that doctors are asking their patients out online. Also on the list of online bad behavior: prescribing medication and lying about credentials. Eek!

First of all, how is it fair that they get you to wear a smock with your tush hanging out and they get to play the "I'm a doctor" card? And don't even get me started on how uncool it is for an OBGYN to ask you to spread 'em, and then decide he wants to ask you ask out. I look at it as abuse of power and completely unacceptable. Yes, doctors are people too (see comments on the USA Today article), but they have taken an oath and the world is full of folks who AREN'T their patients.

Do you see a male or female doctor? Do you think this is a violation of ethics or do you take the stance of "doctors are people too"? Have you ever had a doctor cross the line?